Timber Update May 2025
Industry Update
- Homes England and Octopus Real Estate have launched a second £150 million Greener Homes Alliance fund to support small and medium-sized housebuilders to deliver energy efficient homes across England. This follows the success of phase one, which funded over 550 sustainable homes with the aim to boost eco-friendly construction in the SME housing sector.
- The UK government is considering tariffs on US construction goods in response to Donald Trump's 10% import tax. The market uncertainty saw share prices for major UK construction firms drop. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has urged companies to 'respond to a four-week consultation to help shape his department's response.'
- It has been reported by the BBC that Storm Éowyn, which hit Northern Ireland at the beginning of this year, caused unprecedented damage to its forests and trees, more than would be typically felled in a year. The article reports that timber prices are not expected to drop due to the disruption in the felling schedule caused.
Company Update
We're proud to have sponsored the Hunslet Club Under 10s, a talented grassroots football team which includes Tylan, the son of our own Jamie Kirkham. The Under 10s had a fantastic end to their season, winning their cup final in April.
The first team secured a 2-0 win, with the second team drawing 1-1, resulting in a 3-1 victory overall. Tylan had an outstanding day, scoring a free-kick from the halfway line, earning man of the match and lifting the trophy as team captain. A huge well done to all involved!
New Product Alert! Landscaping and Service Battens
We are pleased to announce that we now stock Scandinavian and Baltic softwood landscape battens (pictured) and service battens, available for fast delivery in full and part loads.
Our service battens are offered in a 38 x 50 size and are treated to withstand moisture. This product is great for general purpose building usage and cladding installation. Our landscaping battens are available in a 19 x 44 size and are also treated to withstand moisture and outdoor conditions. This product is ideal for decorative landscaping projects and fence screening.
Get in touch to place an order or find out more about these products below.
Fun Fact
Today's note isn't just a fun fact, it's a timely reminder of why timber continues to be the optimal building material. Wood is not only a renewable resource when harvested responsibly, but unlike other popular building materials, it's also biodegradable, a valuable asset in today's eco-conscious construction industry.
The value of responsibly sourced timber in construction is highlighted in a recent article by the BBC. The article outlines the efforts of a conservation charity that has 'successfully trialled using timber from responsibly, ecologically managed Dartmoor woodland to supply construction businesses.'
Such initiatives underpin the feasibility and importance of using timber as a building material in the construction projects of the future.
